QUESTION 1

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in Australia. It is caused by problems with the production and/or action of insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in your blood. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin efficiently. Around one-third of people who require dialysis or a kidney transplant also have diabetes.

Steps to take

Ensure your insulin levels and diabetic control is excellent.

Be aware of and maintain good blood pressure control.

Be a non-smoker – call QUIT on 13 78 48 and ask for a free Quit Pack.

Treat urine infections immediately.

Drink alcohol in moderation.

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Do you have Diabetes?

No

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in Australia. It is caused by problems with the production and/or action of insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in your blood. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin efficiently. Around one-third of people who require dialysis or a kidney transplant also have diabetes.

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QUESTION 2

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. High blood pressure affects the kidneys by putting more stress on the blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidney filters.

Steps to take

Be aware of and maintain good blood pressure control.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Lower your salt intake.

Drink alcohol in moderation.

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Do you have high blood pressure?

No

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. High blood pressure affects the kidneys by putting more stress on the blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidney filters.

QUESTION 4

Have you ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or been told you have heart failure?

Yes

If you’ve ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or been told you have heart failure, then these conditions are referred to as cardiovascular disease. A history of cardiovascular disease significantly increases your risk of developing kidney disease.

Steps to take

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Have you ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or been told you have heart failure?

No

If you’ve ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or been told you have heart failure, then these conditions are referred to as cardiovascular disease. A history of cardiovascular disease significantly increases your risk of developing kidney disease.

QUESTION 6

Kidney disease may run in families and even if only one person in a family has end stage kidney disease, all blood relatives should be tested. With early treatment, kidney disease can be slowed and dialysis or a transplant may be avoided.

Steps to take

Unsure? Ask family members about it.

Do a family health investigation.

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Is there a family history of kidney failure?

No

Kidney disease may run in families and even if only one person in a family has end stage kidney disease, all blood relatives should be tested. With early treatment, kidney disease can be slowed and dialysis or a transplant may be avoided.

QUESTION 8

The incidence of end stage kidney disease is almost nine times more common for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Indigenous people. The greater prevalence of kidney disease in some Indigenous communities is partly due to the high incidence of traditional risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Steps to take

Unsure? Ask family members about it.

Do a family health investigation.

If you need assistance, ask a family history (genealogy) researcher.

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Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?

No

The incidence of end stage kidney disease is almost nine times more common for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Indigenous people. The greater prevalence of kidney disease in some Indigenous communities is partly due to the high incidence of traditional risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

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Results

Your results indicate that you may have one or more of the risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease. It is recommended that you visit your doctor for a kidney health check, which will typically include a blood test, urine test and blood pressure reading.

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If you'd like to work out your risk of developing moderate - severe kidney disease over the next five years, please click here for a more detailed questionnaire.

The kidneys play a major role in maintaining your general health and wellbeing.
Maintaining or adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours like healthy eating, exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and reducing stress are very important in looking after your kidneys.

You currently do not have any risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Be aware of these risk factors and take the test again in one year.

Registerfor updates

If you'd like to work out your risk of developing moderate - severe kidney disease over the next five years, please click here for a more detailed questionnaire.